The Salt Path

The South West Coast Path

Discover The Salt Path and some of the UK's most superb coastal walking along the Exmoor stretch of the iconic South West Coast Path.

Holdstone on Exmoor's Salt Path - the South West Coast Path. Neville Stanikk

Covering the first 36 miles of the 630mile South West Coast Path, Exmoor boasts the highest coastline peaking at 318m at Great Hangman, the longest stretch of coastal woodland in England and Wales and temperate rainforests. You can stroll under the native tree canopy rich in rare lichens, ferns and mosses which rely on Exmoor’s very special Atlantic climate. Marvel at sweeping cliffs meeting hidden coves, evoking millennia of history. Along this dramatic stretch, you can uncover the story of Exmoor via First World War gun emplacements, Iron Age encampments and St Beuno's, the smallest church in England.

In cinemas from 30 May 2025 The Salt Path, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Issacs, is based on the best selling memoir by Raynor Winn. After being forcibly removed from their home Raynor and her husband Moth set out on a 630-mile coastal trek, in the hope that, in nature, they will find solace and a sense of acceptance. The Salt Path is a journey that is exhilarating, challenging, and liberating in equal measure.

The Salt Path book and other resources linked to walking the South West Coast Path are available in our online shop - each purchase supports our work protecting this landscape and managing routes like this on Exmoor.

Top Tips

Inspired to visit some of the scenes in the Salt Path?

The South West Coast Path begins - or ends - with 36miles along the rugged and wild coastline of Exmoor National Park – an adventure awaits!

Valley of Rocks on Exmoor's Salt Path - the South West Coast Path. By Dan James.

Image Valley  of Rocks by Dan James

  • Plan Ahead:
    • Accommodation and places to eat can get booked up, especially in peak season so book ahead. Wild camping is not generally permitted.
    • Public transport can enhance your experience of the path and allow you to walk a linear route – check timetables in advance as some services are only seasonal.
    • Be prepared - this exhilarating walk is a real adventure so stay safe. Some stretches are tough and remote, but there are easier routes to tackle too (see below).
  • Enjoy the journey:
    • Help us to Keep Exmoor Special as you explore the breath-taking landscapes of Exmoor and immerse yourself in the nature and beauty featured in The Salt Path. Follow the Countryside code: Respect, Protect and Enjoy this special place.
    • A number of local businesses and venues provide a free Water Refill service.
  • When you've finished:
    • Leave no trace - take only memories and ensure you take your litter home
    • Give back - Support for CareMoor for Exmoor or the South West Coast Path Association will help invest in this special route
    • Share your experience and encourage others to enjoy Exmoor responsibly.

Top sights

Many of the scenes in The Salt Path were shot on location within Exmoor National Park, including within the Authority's own estate. Some of these routes will introduce you to highlights along the South West Coast Path.

Exmoor's wooded coastline - The Salt Path / South West Coast Path by Shaun Davey (via Exmoor Commons)

Exmoor's wooded coastline by Shaun Davey via Exmoor Commons

At 267 square miles there is much more to explore within Exmoor. Find details of these and other top walks at www.exmoorwalks.org.

Did you know?

  • The South West Coast Path originates from the 19th century when coastguards trod a trail in pursuit of smugglers,
  • The South West Coast Path is England's longest walking route at 630 miles. It also now forms part of the King Charles III England Coast Path - a total distance of 2,700 miles once completed!
  • Great Hangman Cliff on the Exmoor route between Heddon's Mouth and Combe Martin is the highest coastal cliff in mainland Britain at 318m high.
  • The path is for everyone - you don't have to walk the entire path in one go, or at all. There are lots of opportunities to enjoy a variety of distances and grades/terrains with a number of circular routes taking in the Coast Path.
  • It just got better - and longer! Route improvements completed last year as part of the King Charles III England Coast Path across Exmoor  brought the path closer to the coast. It also added approx. 1 mile to the Exmoor route! Discover the changes (PDF).

Great Hangman cliffs Exmoor - Neville Stanikk

Image : Great Hangman  by Neville Stanikk

Walkers on the Salt Path (South West Coast Path) Exmoor - by Shaun Davey via Exmoor Commons

Image by Shaun Davey (via Exmoor Commons)

Equip yourself

Grab a copy of The Salt Path book, a local guidebook, map and essential equipment for your South West Coast Path adventure at our Exmoor National Park Centres at Dulverton, Dunster or Lynmouth, or order online from our Exmoor Shop.